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Greenwich Names New Principal For Cos Cob School

Gene Schmidt will take over as principal of Cos Cob School after two years as vice-principal at Julian Curtiss, the Greenwich School District announced Wednesday.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Greenwich School District

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GREENWICH, Conn. -- The Greenwich Public School District did not have to look far to find the next principal for Cos Cob School, hiring Julian Curtiss School Vice Principal Gene Schmidt on Wednesday, according to a statement.

“Gene Schmidt is the perfect leader for Cos Cob School," Greenwich Superintendent of Schools William McKersie said in the statement. "His record of guiding schools to academic excellence, shared values, and full attention to the social and emotional needs of students and staff will ensure that the Phoenix of Cos Cob School rises to even higher levels. Cos Cob can expect many years of strong and compassionate leadership from Mr. Schmidt."

Schmidt has taught in the Greenwich School District since 2000. He began as a teacher and became vice principal at the International School at Dundee before becoming vice principal at Julian Curtiss School in 2011.

Schmidt is a well-traveled educator, starting his career as a teacher in Alaska in 1974. After working in the private sector for eight years, he returned to teach in New York, Florida, the United Kingdom and Italy.

"I am eager and excited to be a part of this dynamic school community and to collaborate with all of the stakeholders as we plan a path together to guide our students to their highest possible potential," Schmidt said in the statement. "I look forward to many years as Cos Cob School principal as we continue to do what we love, helping students on their journey towards academic excellence.”

The Cos Cob principal position has been held on an interim basis by Nancy Carbone since December.
Kim Beck left the position then
to become Ridgefield's assistant superintendent.

Schmidt was awarded the Greenwich Distinguished Teacher Award in 2005.

McKersie appointed Schmidt as principal of Cos Cob School after an extensive recruitment, interview and reference-checking process. The interview committee included district administrators and representatives from the Cos Cob School teaching staff and parent body, interviewing a pool of highly qualified internal and external candidates.

The search to fill the now vacant vice principal position at Julian Curtiss School will begin immediately.